Antioxidants

Antioxidants in dog food serve two distinct roles: they preserve the food by preventing fat oxidation and rancidity, and they may provide health benefits to the dog by neutralising free radicals in the body. When listed simply as 'antioxidants' without further qualification, it is unclear whether synthetic or natural compounds are being used. Synthetic antioxidants such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin have raised safety concerns, while natural antioxidants such as tocopherols and rosemary extract are preferred.